How to get rid of dandruff permanently

Dandruff is the popular name for seborrheic dermatitis, a problem that undoubtedly bothers a large part of the adult population (usually between 20 and 50 years of age), but which, even so, still generates many doubts among people.

Dandruff can be defined as a process of flaking the skin of the scalp. In an interview with Dicas de Mulher, Ligia Kogos, a dermatologist who is a member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, of the Brazilian Society of Aesthetic Medicine and director of the Ligia Kogos Dermatology Clinic, explains that dandruff is the result of the excess work of the sebaceous glands on the scalp.

What is dandruff?

Ligia also adds that peeling is often accompanied by redness and itching (more or less intense, depending on the case), which usually causes great discomfort to people who suffer from the problem.

Thus, it is worth mentioning that seborrheic dermatitis is an excessive scaling of the scalp caused by a genetic predisposition, but which, in order to manifest, depends on the existence of other factors, such as: climate, stress, hormonal imbalance or a diet rich in carbohydrates and /or fats.

Does dandruff affect both women and men?

The answer is yes. However, it is worth mentioning that the problem is more common in men. Ligia Kogos explains that men are more prone to dandruff because they have a greater number of sebaceous glands – responsible for oiliness – and greater production of hormones, such as testosterone, which directly affect the increase in sebum in the scalp.

However, women are not free from the problem either. “In cases of stress, for example, ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone from the adrenal cortex) is produced in excess, increasing the activity of the sebaceous glands, which are over-stimulated, which can result in dandruff,” she explains.

Ligia Kogos also points out that women who have a little more male hormone are more likely to have dandruff. “It is more common for the problem to also occur in girls who already have oilier skin and who already suffer, for example, with acne”, she says.

The dermatologist adds that women who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome are also more likely to have dandruff. “But, in general, in men, cases of dandruff are usually more exuberant, more intense, they tend to bother more”, reveals the dermatologist.

7 questions about dandruff answered by the dermatologist

Below you can find some common doubts on the subject, which still generate a lot of confusion in the minds of people who try to investigate a little more, especially about the causes of dandruff:

Women’s Tips – Does using conditioner cause dandruff?

Ligia Kogos – Many people believe that it is the use of conditioner that causes dandruff, but it is not quite like that. Maybe this will happen if the person already has a tendency to have dandruff and misuses the product (putting too much conditioner on the scalp and not completely re-applying it, for example). But it is worth noting that dandruff usually doesn’t happen ‘through the person’s fault’, but more because of internal factors.

Does washing hair with hot water cause dandruff?

No, this is myth. As dandruff results from excess sebum production by the glands of the scalp – secretion is rich in fatty acids that cause irritation, scaling, itching and inflammation –, external hot water does not trigger the condition. On the contrary, it can even momentarily relieve, due to its anti-inflammatory effect, the exuberant condition of itching and scaling. This belief that hot water could cause dandruff is just a myth.

Can washing your hair daily make dandruff worse?

Each person has their individual washing needs, according to their hair type (oily, normal or dry) and their lifestyle. There are many who need to wash every day, either because they have oily hair, or because of physical exercise, swimming, or simply because they feel better (like most men). The act of rubbing your scalp hard every day, however, can end up stimulating the glands to work harder, worsening oiliness and dandruff. But washing normally does not significantly interfere. That way, each person can perfectly wash their hair as often as they feel better.

Is dandruff contagious?

No, not even if you use the brush or comb of a person who has dandruff. Dandruff is nothing more than the result of scaling of the scalp caused by a genetic predisposition, but which, in order to manifest, depends on the existence of other factors (climate, stress, hormonal imbalance or a diet rich in carbohydrates and/or fats). .

Can an inadequate diet stimulate dandruff or make it worse?

Yup. A diet rich in fats, sugars, fried foods and/or refined carbohydrates (such as rice, pasta and white bread) can stimulate or worsen dandruff. In addition, it is also essential to avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages – which greatly worsen the condition in a person who is already predisposed to having dandruff.

Can dandruff make hair fall out?

Dandruff can, yes, cause a greater fall of the wires – as it causes an inflammatory process in the hair follicles. Even so, there is a greater concern on the part of women with the problem. However, it is worth mentioning that dandruff is not responsible for baldness – which is also associated with genetic predisposition. However, constant inflammation of the scalp, such as that caused by dandruff, can exacerbate the baldness problem.

Is dandruff curable?

It is believed that seborrheic dermatitis can accompany the person throughout his life with periods of improvement and worsening. However, there are currently good treatment options and, with a suitable one – indicated by a dermatologist – it is possible to greatly reduce symptoms, such as scaling and itching.

When to seek medical help to treat dandruff?

Ligia Kogos explains that, when you notice the first signs of dandruff, you should first try using an anti-dandruff shampoo (which is usually based on sulfur, salicylic acid, zinc or sodium sulfacetamide). “They are easily found on the market and are generally efficient. So the person should have a little more patience and carefully read the product label looking for one of these items,” she says.

According to the doctor, it is important that the person also stops to observe their food. “Are you consuming too much carbohydrate? Fat? Chocolate? Frying? Alcoholic beverage? It is worth, therefore, to try to improve the diet as well to see if the problem diminishes”, she explains, noting that a diet rich in fats and carbohydrates can worsen the situation.

But, continues the professional, if even taking these precautions – following a good diet, using anti-dandruff shampoos – the problem persists, the ideal is for the person to seek a dermatologist who will indicate the best form of treatment.

dandruff treatments

Below, Ligia Kogos cites some alternatives used to treat dandruff:

1. Anti-dandruff shampoo

The use of shampoos to combat the overwork of the sebaceous glands is, according to Ligia, the first step to be taken. “Usually these are products based on sulfur, salicylic acid, zinc, sodium sulfacetamide – that try to regulate the activity of the glands and remove that excess of cells,” she says.

2. Lotions

According to the dermatologist, it may be necessary to use lotions based on corticosteroids (sometimes with other ingredients, such as zinc perithionate, etc.), which have an anti-inflammatory effect, when shampoo alone does not show results.

3. Sunbathing

The sun is also an ally in the fight against dandruff. Ligia Kogos explains that sunbathing (with adequate protection on the rest of the skin) is recommended, as it has an important anti-inflammatory action and helps to reduce the activities of the sebaceous glands.

4. Antifungals

Ligia points out that, sometimes, antifungals are recommended in the treatment of dandruff, such as, for example, Ketoconazole. “That’s because the conditions on the scalp that give rise to dandruff are conducive to the accumulation of fungi – that is, they find conditions there for them to proliferate,” she says.

5. Photobiomodulation

This is another treatment alternative and, according to Ligia Kogos, consists of the application of a laser with anti-inflammatory action, based on iodine, which will help regulate the activities of the sebaceous glands, improving dandruff.

6. Internal treatment

Ligia Kogos explains that, in more “severe” cases, corticosteroid injections may be necessary.

7. Isotretinoin

Ligia explains that, in cases of chronic dandruff, it may be necessary to use Isotretinoin (Roacutuan) orally, which definitively regulates the sebaceous gland.

It is worth mentioning that the best way to treat seborrheic dermatitis can only be indicated by a dermatologist, taking into account the particularities of each case.

How to prevent dandruff?

As already pointed out, dandruff is nothing more than the result of a scaling of the scalp caused by a genetic predisposition. However, as this peeling is manifested by the influence of other factors (climate, stress, irregular diet), some measures can be taken – by people who are prone to this problem – in order to avoid worsening the condition.

• Follow a good diet, above all, avoiding excess fatty foods, fried foods, sugars and refined carbohydrates.
• Avoid excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.
• Exercising can also help fight dandruff.
• Avoid a sedentary lifestyle and, also, do not change the night for the day.

Now you know exactly what dandruff is and you know good alternatives to treat this problem. Remember, however, that only a dermatologist will be able to indicate the best type of treatment for each case.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.